You see "sin" is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as an offense against religious or moral law. The original sin happened in the garden of eden with Adam and Eve. They were created perfect in every way. They lived in a paradise. Every need met, and communed with God every day. God created man in His image, (Gen 2:15), which meant they also had free will to make their own choices. Genesis goes on to say that Adam and Eve listened to Satan's lies, in that eating of the forbidden Tree of Knowledge, they would be like God himself. (Not unlike Satan's attempt to overthrow God in Heaven to be like God.) God told them that they were free to eat of anything in the garden except the Tree of knowledge of good and evil. Well, they did after listening to the devil and as a result, all mankind is subject to a sinful nature inherited from Adam.
In God's mercy and grace, He provided a way out of this. It would take a major sacrifice. God said in Hebrews 9:22 that through the shedding of blood, redemption is provided. The Law of Moses in Exodus 20:2-17 provided a way for the people to be right in God's eyes by offering the best animals sacrificed for every sin they committed. This was only temporary, though. So alot of animals were sacrificed!
THIS is why Jesus came and why He died, to be that perfect, ultimate sacrifice, as He was born by the Holy Spirit and a virgin (Mary), so He was without the sinful nature. (Colossians 1:22, 1 Peter 1:19). Through Him, we are promised eternal life with God through the faith of those who believe in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:22 - "So that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe." Ephesians 2:8-9 goes on to say "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast."
If you believe that Jesus Christ, is Lord, ask forgiveness of your sins, you can have eternal life.
The Bible presents a clear path to eternal life. You have to realize first that you have sinned against God.
Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
We all have done things that displease God, which makes us deserving of eternal punishment (Hell).
Romans 6:23 says "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." Romans 5:8 says "God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus died on the cross to take our punishment, our place. Which leads us to the following verse of Romans 10:9 - "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." You see, faith alone in what Jesus did on the cross is the only way to eternal life.
If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, simply believe that Jesus is Lord, ask forgiveness for your sins, and trust in Him. Saying a prayer someone else made up or what I call "Holy Incantations" wont do it. You have to pray in faith and thank Him.
If you need a prayer to get you started, here is one:
"God, I know that I have sinned against You and I deserve punishment. But I believe that Jesus took the punishment I deserve on the cross, and through faith in Him I can be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, please email me so that I can pray for you and I or my wife will be available for any questions or help you require. God Bless you, and Happy Good Friday!
Pastor Rob Lawler.
rlawler@lifepointtn.com
Amy Lawler
alawler@lifepointtn.com
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